While the now-shuttered Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus was the biggest name in the circus world, it was never the only player: Around the country, traveling animal acts
continue to pop up at county fairs and local showgrounds, typically with little scrutiny of how they’re treating their animals.

The Humane Society of the United States, long a bitter adversary of Feld Entertainment and Ringling Bros., applauded the company for its decision to shut down the circus in May, ending 146 years of coercive, inhumane wild animal acts that were at the center of the show.

Consumers today want to see humane treatment for animals in all spheres—including food, fashion, and entertainment. Through its work with corporate leaders in various industries, The HSUS is making sure that people know what they’re getting when they buy a ticket, a coat, or an egg—and helping the animals who are part of the system get a better deal.

Two companies are taking the first steps towards ending the use of captive wild animals in entertainment: Ringling Bros. has ended elephant performances, and Sea World is scaling back its orca program.

HSUS President and CEO Wayne Pacelle tells the story from the front lines of the animal protection movement in his new book, "The Humane Economy: How Innovators and Enlightened Consumers Are Transforming the Lives of Animals," scheduled to release in April.

In regards to the recently introduced compromise agreement that would limit horse-drawn carriages to Central Park and create other favorable conditions for the horses, Brian Shapiro, New York state director for The Humane Society of the United States issued the following statement:

Wayne Pacelle, president and CEO of The Humane Society of the United States, issued the following statement in response to Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus’ announcing that it will retire its performing elephants in 2018:

You can help pass laws that protect animals in your state. Humane Lobby Day is easy, fun and guaranteed to make you feel like a powerful animal activist. We'll help you find the Humane Lobby Day in your state.

Joan Jett, on the heels of her performance with Nirvana at the band’s induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, penned a letter urging lawmakers in Rhode Island to ban inhumane elephant training devices.

Brent, a 37-year-old retired chimpanzee from Chimp Haven in Keithville, La., has won first place in The Humane Society of the United States’ Chimpanzee Art Contest, which featured paintings created by chimpanzees living in sanctuaries throughout the United States and generated more than 27,000 votes.